I was just prescribed 10 mg of propranolol 2x a day for anxiety, and one of the side effects listed on the info sheets my pharmacist gave me with the medication is "big weight gain." The word "big" in particular is scaring me. Has anyone experienced weight gain on this drug?
Weight gain on propranolol?
Question posted by akatt on 15 Feb 2019
Last updated on 7 August 2023 by Browniejc
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7 Answers
Yes absolutely I have gained weight since starting this medication 1 year ago…I just decided to check on this med as being the reason for it… I highly suspect that it is.
Yes I’m experiencing weight gain currently
As I remember it can cause low blood sugar levels so this would contradict maybe weight gain unless it actually made you feel less anxious and therefore ate more . Suppose it would have to be a trial to see if weight gain occurred .
I was recently prescribed propranolol for the with the same dosage, 10mg 2x a day. I too have experienced quick weight gain. It's been about 2 months and I have gained around 6lbs. I was curious if this was a common symptom and stumbled upon this thread. Wondering if I should request to try a different medication for anxiety?
I started taking it twice a day about 18 months ago, I instantly put on 3 kilos and went from 94 kilos to 110 at one point I told my doctor and he said try a diet, and that it was nothing to do with the meds, but I am convinced it is, I now diet and exercise every day and can’t get below 102 kilos doesn’t matter how much I exercise
According to the literature:
"Weight gain can occur as a side effect of some beta blockers, especially the older ones. The average weight gain is about 2.6 pounds (about 1.2 kilograms)."
"Frequency not reported: Weight gain"
I don't know how someone came up with "big" which isn't even professional terminology, but as Sidekick has said you'd be taking such a low dose that I wouldn't be overly concerned.
Best regards, Wild Cat
Disagree you gain weight over a period of time
Disagree. Myself, my husband, and my mother have taken propranolol for years without an ounce of weight gain.
Everyone responds differently to medications and generally only a very small percentage of users experience side effects. The problem is you only hear from the small percentage... the majority of users aren't aware of the potential and certainly aren't going to sit around writing reviews saying that they didn't lose weight.
Keep things in perspective...
Excuse me... "didn't gain weight".
That’s such a low dosage, I doubt you will experience much of any side effects, if any at all.
Related topics
anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, propranolol, side effect, weight, performance anxiety, prescription, medication
Further information
- Propranolol uses and safety info
- Propranolol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Propranolol (detailed)
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